Liverpool

Liverpool: Reds star who played worse than Robbo has been dropped and asked to live immediately

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1 year ago

October 9, 2023

Liverpool: Reds star who played worse than Robbo has been dropped and asked to live immediately

The Reds ceded territory in the Premier League yet again, and one ace was at the epicentre.

Liverpool ceded territory in the Premier League for the second successive weekend, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The Reds might have squandered the opportunity to set the pace before the October international break but results elsewhere have stirred up a compelling early title race.

Last weekend, having lost late to Tottenham Hotspur, Jurgen Klopp’s side knew they had been hard done by but against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, the only culprits for receiving one point stood on the AMEX Stadium pitch.

Brighton are a tricky customer and to head back to Merseyside with a draw is not the worst conclusion in the world, especially given that Arsenal and Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are only three points ahead in the driving seat.

Klopp also knows that his ambitious outfit will enjoy a favourable run of opponents in the English top flight before the daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City at the end of November.

Liverpool Upcoming PL Fixtures (Sky Sports)

Fixture

Date

vs Everton (home)

Saturday, 21 October

vs Nottingham Forest (home)

Sunday, 29 October

vs Luton Town (away)

Sunday, 5 November

vs Brentford (home)

Sunday, 12 November

With Europa League football the order of the day for Liverpool after a dreadful 2022/23 campaign bred rotten fruits, there is an apt opportunity for squad rotation, and while the tantalising rhythm of the Champions League’s beat teases the Anfield side, early seasonal progress suggests a top-four finish is more than attainable.

Frankly, last season’s demise was a result of the mouldering midfield that had been untouched for too long; once prosperous, intense, unrelenting, the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner were not performing at the requisite standard, and all have now moved on over the summer.

Arriving in their stead, a fresher, exciting mix have started to strut their stuff, with the all-consuming Dominik Szoboszlai possibly the most transformative signing since Virgil van Dijk was welcomed to the central defence; Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo are intriguing acquisitions in contrasting ways, with the former, aged 21, really growing into his skin.

Alexis Mac Allister was captured from Brighton for a bargain £35m in July, the first swoop of the summer as Liverpool started to rebuild having finished fifth last year.

The Argentine was integral for both club and country last term, winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and playing a starring role as the Seagulls secured European football for the first time in their history, and so far, he has been solid if unspectacular at his new club.

How many goals did Alexis Mac Allister score last season?
One year ago, Mac Allister was a rising star but not quite a high-profile phenom, but that, of course, would change when his impressive club performances warranted a place in Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup squad.

The 24-year-old was quite simply magnificent after starting six of the seven matches, interestingly absent only for Argentina’s shocking group-stage defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Posting a goal, against Poland and a “sumptuous” assist, which came in the final and was hailed as such by Gary Lineker, Mac Allister completed 89% of his passes, averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.5 tackles per game and won 67% of his dribbles and 67% of his ground duels.

Stellar stuff, with the dynamism and energy turning Klopp’s head, but if international exploits can sometimes be misleading to the longevity of a player’s prowess, Mac Allister’s performances were but an illustration of the grander, hundred-hued picture of his quality.

Across the 2022/23 club campaign, the 19-cap international plundered 12 goals and three assists across 40 appearances and insinuated himself within the Premier League’s best, dubbed “very intelligent” by his compatriot Sergio Aguero.

His exploits led Albion content creator Ryan Adsett to dud him the club’s “golden boy”, such gilt-edged showings leading to a hive of interest from some of the Premier League’s best, but despite advances from Arsenal and Chelsea, it was indeed Liverpool who won the race for his signature.

How is Alexis Mac Allister playing at Liverpool?
Now, Mac Allister has not quite hit his stride at Liverpool, but that is certainly not to say that he has been poor since his summer arrival, having been utilised in a deep-lying midfield role across all eight of his Premier League matches for the Reds.

This is because Liverpool failed to sign a starring holding midfielder after Fabinho’s exit to the riches of the Saudi Pro League; Endo is an astute addition, but he is probably not effective enough to serve in the role all the time.

Mac Allister’s ball-playing prowess and intensity are attributes Klopp covets for his system, and it’s important to remember that the £150k-per-week ace’s displays have contributed toward a reformed Anfield centre that is not fit for purpose, whereas last season, it really was not.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 18% for progressive carries, the top 17% for shot-creating actions and the top 30% for progressive passes per 90.

The latter metric highlights a needed upswing in forward passes to effectively contribute to Liverpool’s advances; comparatively, pass master Thiago Alcantara ranks among the top 6% for progressive passes per 90.

Mac Allister has served well insofar as he channels creativity and crispness through the forward lanes; where last year Liverpool’s offensive efforts from the centre was an unreliable trickle, now it is a cascading flood.

However, against his former outfit, his deficiencies in the position were stripped bare, and his “struggle” against Roberto De Zerbi’s fluid team, as stated by reporter Neil Jones, hindered Liverpool’s push for three points.

Should Liverpool drop Alexis Mac Allister?
The 5 foot 8 machine has completed 89% of his passes in the Premier League this season, though is creating just 0.4 key passes per game and forging 2.5 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries each outing, underscoring a shift in responsibility.

On the south coast once again, he showcased his laudable core qualities but was languid in receiving Van Dijk’s danger-welcoming pass and was dribbled past, also committing three fouls.

In his post-match ratings, the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle branded him a 5/10 and wrote: ‘Just doesn’t look comfortable in the number six role and way too casual when giving away ball for Brighton opener. Nipped in to initiate equaliser, though, and better second half.’

Not the only Anfield star culpable of a lapse, left-back Andrew Robertson also endured an afternoon to forget, constantly troubled by the mercurial Simon Adingra and failing to muster up much real attacking threat down the left side, with the Scot rewarded a slightly better 6/10 by Doyle. He was also at fault for Lewis Dunk’s equaliser, failing to get anything on Solly March’s teasing free-kick, leaving the Brighton defender to prod home unopposed.

The Scotland captain has been in fine fettle this season but will leave little applause after that match, though will surely retain his starting spot on the left despite Kostas Tsimikas’ recent contract extension.

Right now, the same cannot be said for Mac Allister despite Curtis Jones still serving a suspension for two matches following his dismissal against Tottenham.

The multi-functional Gravenberch is waiting in the wings for his maiden Premier League start and has been praised for his “Rolls Royce” performances by reporter Declan Carr.

The industrious Endo would also offer a more defensive angle to the midfield, and while he may not be the most technically impressive player in Liverpool’s squad, he is a veritable workhorse and could offer a steely dimension for the upcoming run of fixtures.

Ultimately, Liverpool are still in a fine position and could now kick on with a series of victories against opposition who should be felled by Klopp’s squad (on paper, of course).

Perhaps Mac Allister should be deployed higher up, with someone such as Endo serving in the nub, but it’s not quite working in the current role and there’s a growing sense that this burgeoning phenom is unable to exude the swagger at his disposal right now.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angus Sinclair • Freelance Football Writer
(1479 Articles Published)
Angus is a freelance analytical writer for Football FanCast.

Having graduated from Southampton Solent University with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2022, Angus found a home at FFC after previously writing for Vavel and OurSoundMusic.

A passionate Liverpool supporter and a lover of statistics, Angus also holds a fondness for MMA and Tennis.

Outside of football, he is a voracious reader with a particular love for fantasy and historical fiction.

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(Video) Dermot Gallagher stunned Sky presenter with verdict on penalty shout in Liverpool game
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Posted by Liam Togher56 minutes agoFollow @liamtogher88
(Video) Dermot Gallagher stunned Sky presenter with verdict on penalty shout in Liverpool game
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Dermot Gallagher raised a few eyebrows inside the Sky Sports studio when giving his verdict on a possible penalty shout in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Brighton on Sunday.

The former top-flight official was making his customary Monday morning appearance on Ref Watch when he gave his take on the home side’s claims for a spot kick after the ball struck Virgil van Dijk’s arm inside the box.

Referee Anthony Taylor was unmoved but the incident infuriated Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi to the point where he was shown a yellow card for dissent.

Gallagher sided with the former, saying: “The evidence is there for everyone to see. It clearly strikes his thigh. His arm is by his side. It bounces up a few feet. It hits him, there’s no doubt about that, but you’d be absolutely stunned if a penalty was given for that.”

That verdict left the Sky Sports presenter in studio astonished, with a gasp of “Really?”.

We’re with the ex-Premier League referee on this one. As he correctly observed, the ball was hit at Van Dijk from close range and struck his thigh first before deflecting up onto his arm.

The handball issue can be a thorny one, but it would’ve been ridiculous if a penalty were given in that instance. Taylor got it right.

You can view Gallagher’s verdict on the penalty shout below, via @footballdaily on Twitter/X:

🗣️ “You’d be absolutely stunned if a penalty was given.”

Dermot Gallagher on the Virgil van Dijk handball against Brighton. 💭 pic.twitter.com/iJZDdLXNkO

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 9, 2023

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PGMOL Owe Liverpool Another Apology For Latest VAR Mishap As IFAB Rules Clarified
by Michael Mongie Today, 10:28 last updated Today, 12:31
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On multiple occasions, the decision-making consistency of the referees in the Premier League has been brought into question.

This weekend, Brighton midfielder Pascal Groß was at the centre of a controversy regarding a match incident that, as per IFAB rules, should have resulted in a sending-off.

The incident in question is a clear scenario in violation of the Laws of the Game as stipulated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and raises questions about the decision-making process of referees and the use of VAR in the Premier League.

Sky Sports confirming that according to the letter of the law, Pascal Gross should have received a red card as there was no attempt to play the ball pic.twitter.com/4QVX9qG12j

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 8, 2023
According to the IFAB rule: “Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offence was an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ball.

“In all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.), the offending player must be sent off.”

Don’t want to stir up another refereeing controversy but I can’t understand why Pascal Gross wasn’t sent off for the foul that led to the penalty. The double jeopardy rule only counts in situations where the defender has made a genuine attempt to play the ball. He didn’t!

— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) October 8, 2023
Groß’ foul on Dominik Szoboszlai was a clear instance where he denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by dragging him to the ground as the Hungarian was about to play the ball in front of the goalkeeper.

This is a puzzling inconsistency, as Liverpool’s own Virgil van Dijk was sent off for a foul on Alexander Isak outside the box, even though van Dijk was making an attempt to win the ball.

According to the codes of the game, Groß’ offence was much more dire and should have been shown a red card.

Yet, the decision was otherwise – a questionable inconsistency that raises eyebrows.

Not the first time Liverpool have been slighted by officials
This is not the first time the PGMOL has been at the center of a controversy related to Liverpool.

The VAR scandal, where Liverpool was not awarded a goal when Luis Diaz scored against Spurs, resulted in an outcry, adding to an increasing narrative that some official decisions are unfairly biased.

Also read
The SEVEN mistakes VAR made during Spurs 2-1 Liverpool
Is VAR doomed to fail? Liverpool don’t seem ready to quit
Man Utd controversy from 2020 proves VAR had power to act
Despite such inconsistencies Jurgen Klopp refused to be drawn into the controversy.

When asked about it, he responded, “I’m over it. I’m too old for that.”

His nonchalant attitude paints an unflattering picture of the state of referee decisions and VAR’s implementation in the Premier League.

The denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, as was the case with Groß’ offense, demands scrutiny over decision-making protocols and consistent application of the IFAB rules.

It is high time for the PGMOL to reassess their standards to ensure fair play and competitive balance within the league.

Strict adherence to the Laws of the Game is crucial not just for its spirit but also to maintain its integrity and repute.

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